In the pursuit of creating unparalleled luxury homes, attention to detail is paramount, not just in the visible finishes but also in the foundational elements that define a home’s comfort, efficiency, and durability. The envelope of a home—its walls, roof, and foundation—is where this meticulous attention begins. At Hill Terrace House, our latest high-end custom home, we’ve employed advanced envelope systems that exemplify our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and superior comfort. Let’s explore these cutting-edge technologies and how they contribute to the Hill Terrace House’s exceptional living experience.
XPS Insulation Under Basement Slab
We started from the ground up, using Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) insulation beneath the basement slab. This rigid foam insulation provides excellent resistance to moisture and maintains its insulating properties over time. By incorporating XPS insulation, we ensure that the basement—a space often prone to coolness and dampness—remains warm and dry, enhancing the home’s overall energy efficiency and comfort.
Continuous EPS Insulation Around Concrete Walls
For the concrete walls, Hill Terrace House features Continuous Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) insulation. This lightweight foam insulation offers impressive thermal resistance and is applied continuously, eliminating thermal bridges that can occur in traditional construction. By wrapping the concrete walls in EPS, we create a more consistent indoor temperature, reduce energy consumption, and enhance the living comfort throughout the home.
Continuous Polyiso Insulation for EIFS Systems
The cement plaster exterior finish benefits from continuous Polyisocyanurate (Polyiso) insulation, known for its high thermal efficiency and environmental resistance. This layer not only adds to the aesthetic appeal of the home by eliminating the need for expansion joints, it also significantly boosts its thermal performance, ensuring that the beauty of the home’s exterior is matched by its energy-efficient design.
Polyiso Insulation for Continuous Roof Insulation
To top it all off (literally), we’ve featured continuous Polyiso insulation between the subroof and the metal finish. This choice reflects our dedication to creating a home that stands up to the elements while maintaining a comfortable and stable interior climate, reducing heating and cooling demands, and contributing to the home’s overall energy efficiency.
Vapor Barrier Beneath Basement Slab and Exterior Waterproofing at Foundation Walls
To ensure longevity and durability, a vapor barrier is installed beneath the basement slab, coupled with exterior waterproofing at the foundation walls. These measures prevent moisture ingress, protect the home’s structure from potential water damage, and contribute to a healthier indoor environment by mitigating the risk of mold and mildew.
Rockwool and Spray Foam Insulation for a Thermally Sealed Envelope
Combining Rockwool and spray foam insulation, we achieve a thermally sealed envelope that excels in both thermal resistance and sound dampening. Rockwool provides excellent fire resistance and sound insulation, while spray foam fills any gaps, ensuring an airtight seal that enhances the home’s energy efficiency and comfort.
HRV to Distribute Fresh Air in an Airtight Envelope
Given the airtight nature of the envelope, an HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator) system is essential to maintain indoor air quality. The HRV system efficiently exchanges indoor and outdoor air, recovering heat in the process to ensure fresh air distribution without sacrificing thermal comfort or energy efficiency.
Hill Terrace House: A Paradigm of Advanced Building Technology
Each of these advanced envelope systems in Hill Terrace House is a testament to our commitment to providing luxurious, comfortable, and sustainable living spaces. From the ground up, every element is designed to create a harmonious balance between luxury and environmental responsibility, ensuring that Hill Terrace House is not just a beacon of high-end living but also a model of modern, sustainable construction practices.